"When Hackenberg misses... he really misses. He threw just two interceptions in team drills, but nearly tossed six others. And I'm not talking about a receiver falling down. I'm saying the defender just dropped the ball.

"Other times, the wideout/running back/tight end was wide open, and Hackenberg sailed it over his head or bounced it to him. That can't happen. In the three media-open OTAs, Hackenberg hit reporters with passes twice."

During organized team activities (OTAs), Hughes also posted a video of Hackenberg putting one over his receiver's head and close to the gathered media.

It's a troubling trend for a quarterback some in the NFL world felt wasn't deserving of a draft selection in 2015.

"Hackenberg is noticeably improved from his rookie season. His footwork — which was a point of emphasis in the offseason — is more consistent, and he's missing less throws than he used to. Hackenberg also doesn't appear afraid of dumping it off anymore.

"Last year, he wanted to show off his cannon arm, which caused him to force passes to places they shouldn't be. Now, he's dropping the ball off to the running back much more."

Likewise, Popper said Hackenberg has made some nice throws during workouts.

As with any young quarterback, it will take time to iron out some of the more intense flaws. But given the past observations of Hackenberg's play, hitting nearby reporters on bad throws is not a good way to improve his reputation in the NFL world.